Cate McCarty, PhD
Part-time Professor, Department of Psychology
I am Cate McCarty, an adjunct professor in the School of Psychology teaching
courses in general psych, gerontology, and thanatology. I really enjoy working
with students both in giving synchronous and non-synchronous feedback. Teaching
Through Engagement is a method and commitment that felt scarce in my PhD
pursuit. As a then "non-traditional" student, my life experience was often projected
as a barrier to completing my PhD rather than an asset or adjunct.
At NCU I have been able to use my experience to connect with students both in
relating to their commitment and assisting with perspective. Graduate work can be
daunting just by its very name. But in reality, it is achievable with the right mentor,
resources, and commitment.
I encourage my students to schedule a synchronous meeting early in the course as
a way to connect to their goals and find our common ground. Being in academia
is one connection, but it is through the feedback we give on assignments as
well as the audio and video notes that shows my investment in their success.
Sometimes it takes going the extra mile to work with a student who is having a
difficult time. This feels counter-intuitive sometimes. But it is absolutely true that
their success is my success.
We have something that we earned through hard work and stick-to-it-iveness.
Communicating that through our feedback, our referral to the volume of
NCU resources, and our presence is what Teaching Through Engagement
encompasses.
Teaching
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